🌱 Gardening Basics
How many hours of sun does a vegetable garden need?
Most crops like 6–8 hours of direct sun. Leafy greens can handle a little afternoon shade and still do fine.
How do I figure out my USDA growing zone?
Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map with your ZIP code. It’s based on average winter lows and helps with timing.
What’s the easiest vegetable for beginners?
Leaf lettuce or radishes. They sprout fast and give you a win early in the season.
Do I need raised beds to have a good garden?
No, but raised beds make life easier: better drainage, warmer soil in spring, and fewer weeds to wrestle.
🌿 Soil, Compost & Fertility
What’s the simplest way to improve soil?
Add compost. Season after season it fixes clay, lightens sand, and builds the life your plants rely on.
Should I test my soil?
It’s worth it for new beds. Your local extension office offers affordable tests with straightforward recommendations.
Why does my compost smell bad?
Too many “greens” (kitchen scraps) and not enough “browns” (dry leaves/cardboard). Add browns and fluff the pile.
Compost or fertilizer — which is better?
They do different jobs. Fertilizer feeds plants now; compost makes the whole soil system better for the long haul.
🍅 Seeds & Starting
Should I start seeds indoors or direct sow?
Slow growers (tomatoes, peppers) like a head start indoors. Fast growers (beans, radishes) go straight in the bed.
How do I stop seedlings from getting leggy?
Give them strong light close to the leaves. A simple grow light beats a weak sunny window every time.
Can I save seeds from store produce?
Sometimes, but hybrids won’t grow true. If you want predictable results, use packets from a reliable source.
🌸 Herbs & Flowers
What herbs grow well indoors?
Basil, parsley, mint, and thyme do well in pots with bright light. Don’t drown them — most herbs prefer lighter watering.
Do pollinator flowers really help the garden?
Yes. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds boost yields. Even a pot of marigolds or nasturtium makes a difference.
How do I keep rosemary alive in winter?
In cold zones, grow it in a pot and bring it inside. Bright light, good drainage, and easy on the water.
🐞 Pests & Organic Control
How do I get rid of aphids naturally?
A strong spray of water, insecticidal soap, or invite ladybugs. Keep plants healthy and they bounce back quicker.
Are all bugs bad in the garden?
Not even close. Ladybugs, lacewings, spiders, and even many wasps are on your side.
How do I keep deer out?
Fencing is the surest bet. Repellents help short-term, but deer learn fast. Rotate tactics if they’re persistent.
💧 Ponds & Water Features
Are ponds hard to maintain?
There’s a learning curve, but once you balance plants, fish, and water movement, upkeep settles into a rhythm.
Do koi ponds need filters?
Yes. Fish add waste quickly. A good filter and steady aeration keep water clear and fish healthy.
Can I build a small wildlife pond without fish?
Absolutely. Plants, frogs, and a small bubbler are plenty. Wildlife ponds are simpler and just as peaceful.
🪴 Hydroponics & Containers
Does hydroponics really save water?
Yes. Recirculating systems use less water than soil beds, and growth is steady once nutrients are dialed in.
Can I grow tomatoes in containers?
Yes — use a 5-gallon pot (or bigger), full sun, and consistent watering. Stake early.
What’s an easy crop for a hydroponic tower?
Lettuce and herbs. Fast, forgiving, and they make you feel like you’re winning right away.
🌦 Seasonal & Planning
How do I plan around frost dates?
Check your average last frost date. Start slow crops indoors 6–8 weeks before; wait to plant heat lovers until after.
What should I grow in fall?
Spinach, kale, lettuce, carrots, beets — and don’t forget garlic. Cool weather makes them sweeter.
Can I garden through winter?
Yes, with row covers or cold frames, or by sticking to hardy crops. Even a small hoop over a bed helps.
🍴 Farm-to-Table & Kitchen
Why grow your own food if I can buy organic?
Flavor, cost, and connection. Fresh-picked tastes better, saves money, and plugs you into the seasons.
How do I find true farm-to-table restaurants?
Look for menus that list farms, or ask vendors at the farmers market who they supply. Local folks will tell you straight.
Is it worth planting fruit trees in a small yard?
Yes. Dwarf apples, figs, or peaches fit tight spaces and still give a real harvest once they settle in.
